What a day to be present,

Happy Birthday Harvey, he's a dear friend in SD, out on the big praire, where the wind is always blowing, and when It's not watch out. We celebrate Havrey's birthday on Sunday to recognizea real community legends, and very compassionate soul who by the way had a unfortunate battle with an infection last year, losing one of his legs. The great news is that he was just fitted for a new prosthetic leg and here's to Harvey, he'll be running real soon. Adversity, ever wonder where it comes from? How do each of us overcome adversity, what helps us fight the great battle and win victoriously? I can speak from some experience, and for me adversity comes in many sizes and shapes and can come when least expecting. Everything in my life was running just about as well as anyone could want, when mr adversity came knockin at my door. What did he look like, well to start he broke up a loving marriage of 22 years, then threw me into a deep long depression, then my daughter got into trouble with our youngest son not far behind. Not that my son did really bad things, he learned some very tough lessons and as a father being depressed I was distracted in my own misery not able to see what was in front of me. That might be one of the keys to being vigilant and not falling prey to adversity, good sight and good ears. Listening with both senses.You watch and listen before he comes knocking, that is the key. DO I still have misery in my life you ask, and I say yes I do, how so you ask, well for one that old depression or in my terms, brain chemistry problems keeps knocking, in many ways the meds are worse treatment than the depression, so I paint and write to keep moving and keep adversity at bay, he can be relentless at times. That brings me to your community and others, do you have true friends, real friends not just people who think they know you or have your best interest at heart, stay close to them and not the others, visit them often and listen, speak your truth to them, keep movin so adversity stays at bay. Pray often, pray together to help others in their battle too, that they come to you too in the same way, so you may listen and together find the remedy that keeps adveristy at bay. Stay away from social vices like cigarettes, strong drink or any other vice that can bring adversity, he will come at a moments notice if you relax your guard, don't relax your guard stay strong, and faithful to your family, to your body of friends and those who truly love you for they are your helpers in this battle. If you know somethng is wrong move and bring it out into the light, confront the situation and adversity will be beaten again, and again, and again.  Is the battle going to end, yep, you bet, keep the faith and keep your prayers flowing, and let's all stay close together. 

So today,  to the faithful is a beautuful event keep your joy with one another, rejoice and be glad for the body is very large and very vibrant, very strong, and very healthy. 

I wasn't up real early this mornng painting a new work for you, but I can share a painting I painted last year called Jesus is Coming. The church is right in the middle, all paths and all walks of life lead to the church and out of the church. So I'm celebrating the Lord's victory and put my faith in him, for he has a heart of gold and will always be your friend to the evry end.

Have a good day, celebrate with your family and keep adveristy right where he belongs in the pit, take care and have a great day, best wishes to you and your families. On this loving Sunday, stay close to your families, for that mater everyday.

Jimmy